Communities across the Highlands and Moray are being invited to take part in a wide ranging public discussion on the potential reintroduction of lynx to northern Scotland.
The engagement programme is being launched this month by the Lynx to Scotland partnership, with dozens of local events planned to share information and gather views on both the benefits and concerns linked to the species’ return.
Lynx to Scotland brings together SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, Trees for Life and The Lifescape Project.
Since 2020, the partnership has been assessing whether and how lynx could return to the Highlands through a carefully managed and regulated reintroduction process.
The charities say any reintroduction would require broad public acceptance, robust scientific monitoring and a clear management framework, alongside a licence from NatureScot following habitat assessments and extensive public engagement.
Steve Micklewright said social consent is as important as ecological suitability.
“Northern Scotland can support a thriving population of lynx, but social acceptance is just as important, so we are exploring in detail how people feel about bringing back this important missing native species.”
Research suggests the region contains some of Scotland’s best remaining lynx habitat, with enough woodland and wild prey to support up to 250 animals over time.
The lynx is a shy, forest dwelling species about the size of a labrador, posing no threat to people and playing a key role in regulating deer populations and supporting healthier ecosystems.
The partnership says a reintroduction could bring benefits for biodiversity, landscapes and local economies, including through woodland recovery and nature based tourism, while also acknowledging that potential impacts would need careful management.
Any reintroduction would begin gradually, with up to 20 lynx released over several years, supported by long term monitoring using tracking collars and camera traps to assess impacts such as livestock predation alongside ecological and economic benefits.
Lisa Chilton said a responsible approach is essential.
“Scotland has lost more of its native wildlife than almost any other country.
“Reintroducing lynx could help restore balance and breathe new life into Highland and Moray landscapes, but it would be essential to do this in a considered and responsible way that addresses questions and concerns.”
Lynx are missing from only a handful of countries within their natural European range, with hunting and habitat loss believed to have driven the species to extinction in Scotland several hundred years ago.
A Lynx to Scotland study in 2021 involved 129 stakeholder meetings and found mixed views alongside a strong appetite to learn more.
That work led to a National Lynx Discussion throughout 2024, involving 53 cross sector organisations including farmers, landowners, gamekeepers, foresters, tourism operators and conservationists.
The resulting report provided the most detailed analysis to date of what would be required to ensure lynx and people could coexist in Scotland.
Adam Eagle said local voices are central to the next phase.
“We are keen to hear from the people living and working in the regions where lynx could one day be reintroduced.
“Their views will help shape how a reintroduction might be managed, if it were to go ahead.”
Details of the public events are being mailed to 89,000 households across 37 postcodes, ahead of the first sessions beginning on the 26th of January 2026.
The engagement programme will run for a month, with 42 sessions across 21 locations, followed by further discussions in the spring.
For more information and for details of the information sessions, see lynxtoscotland.org.
